Sudbury’s downtown to welcome back Blues for Food in 2026

An undated promotional photo of the The Whiskey River Blues Band. (Source: Downtown Sudbury/Facebook)

Downtown Sudbury will host a free street concert Saturday to celebrate a major announcement: the return of the beloved Blues for Food festival in summer 2026.

The event, part of the “Live and Outside” summer music series, will include a performance by The Whiskey River Blues Band and introduce key figures involved in the festival’s revival.

Paul Lowenberg, former artistic director of Northern Lights Festival Boréal, will help guide the festival’s artistic direction, supported by the Downtown Sudbury Business Improvement Area (BIA). Chas Anselmo, son of the late Tony Anselmo – a former BIA chair and owner of Records on Wheels – will speak about the festival’s significance to the city’s music scene.

“Bringing back Blues for Food is a massive step towards our vision of Downtown Sudbury as the undisputed cultural hub of northern Ontario,” said the BIA’s current executive director Jeff MacIntyre, in a news release.

“This isn’t just about a concert; it’s about reviving a cherished community tradition that brings people together, supports our local businesses, and creates the vibrant street atmosphere that defines a thriving city centre.”

Lowenberg expressed enthusiasm for the project.

“I am incredibly excited to be part of the team breathing new life into Blues for Food,” he said.

“This festival holds a special place in Sudbury’s heart, and I look forward to working with the BIA and local artists to build an event that is musically rich, diverse, and continues the wonderful tradition of supporting our community.”

Anselmo reflected on his father’s legacy.

“My father believed in the power of music to build community in our downtown,” he said. “To see Blues for Food return, an event he was so passionate about, is incredibly meaningful. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of our city centre.”

The revived festival aims to honour its roots while expanding its scope. Saturday’s free concert begins at 3 p.m. on Durham Street outside the YMCA.